The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has made progress on its farm in North Stonington. In partnership with UConn, tribal members are learning about sustainability and self-sufficiency.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation had long owned an expanse of densely wooded land in North Stonington, close to its reservation. But eight years ago, tribal member Jeremy Whipple — then a public works employee at the tribe — had a vision for what the land could be.
“They allowed me to come up here and start clearing the land cause it was all overgrown, so I brought it up to what it is now,” Whipple said.
Now that parcel of land is Meechooôk Farm. Equipped with greenhouses that house hydroponic lettuce, tomatoes, and fruit year-round, the land also supports livestock, including cows. The transformation was made possible through support from The University of Connecticut and the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program.
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